“That’s an idiotic question,” he answered. “How would a man in my position know people like the Welcomes?”
“When I was in Millville,” replied Druce evenly, “I heard a good deal about old Tom Welcome. It seems that someone stole an invention from him.”
“Just why should I be interested in that story?”
“I don’t know,” replied Druce. “It just struck me that you might be. There was no harm in asking, was there?”
Boland ignored the question.
“Look here,” he said, changing the subject, “suppose you get this lease from me, are you sure you can continue doing business as you are without police interference?”
Druce laughed and picked up the receiver of the telephone which stood on the table. There was an attachment that enabled Boland to hear at the same time. He handed the second receiver to the master of the Electric Trust.
“What’s the idea?” inquired Boland.
“I’m just going to answer your question.”
He called for a number.